From Tehran to Tangiers, there is a devastating toll on human health. Some 140,000 people across the region have been infected with the coronavirus, thousands have died and thankfully tens of thousands have recovered.
Meanwhile, the pandemic is causing significant economic turmoil in the region through the twin shocks of disruption to trade and production and plummeting oil prices.
The International Monetary Fund says the priority is to save lives as the Middle East and North Africa region face the toughest fight in 100 years.
What does the rest of 2020 look like for the region?
Mustafa Alrawi, assistant editor in chief and future editor Kelsey Warner are joined by Jihad Azour, the IMF's director for the Middle East and Central Asia and a former finance minister of Lebanon.
In this episode: Mustafa and Kelsey on economy (0m 42s) IMF's Jihad Azour on outlook and response (2m 05s) Headlines (22m 54s) Read more on our website: • Middle East's coronavirus fight is biggest challenge 'in the last 100 years', IMF's Jihad Azour says
• Middle East and Central Asia acted fast to support economies in face of twin shocks, IMF says
• JPMorgan Chase to tighten mortgage borrowing standards as economic outlook weakens
• Oman's Taageer Finance and Sohar disclose 4.67m rial exposure to NMC
• Communication changes during pandemic will shape the future, du CEO says
How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
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57%20Seconds
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The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders
Stuart Kells, Counterpoint Press
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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The Two Popes
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce
Four out of five stars
England v West Indies
England squad for the first Test Cook, Stoneman, Westley, Root (captain), Malan, Stokes, Bairstow, Moeen, Roland-Jones, Broad, Anderson, Woakes, Crane
Fixtures
1st Test Aug 17-21, Edgbaston
2nd Test Aug 25-29, Headingley
3rd Test Sep 7-11, Lord's
Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets